Apparatus for providing convenience services to stationary vehicles

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing convenience services to a stationary vehicle independent of the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. At least one conduit is attached to a housing for transferring the services to a supply panel. The supply panel includes a face on which the various controls and connectors associated with the supplied convenience services, such as heating, cooling, electrical power, compressed air, computer network communications, telephone, video, and television, are disposed. The supply panel is dimensioned to interface with the stationary vehicle through an opening in the vehicle, such as a window or service door, and includes means for providing a substantially airtight seal for climate control.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 10/209,519, entitledApparatus for Providing Convenience Services to Stationary Vehicles,filed Jul. 30, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,938, entitled Apparatus forControlling the Environment of a Parked Vehicle, filed Sep. 11, 2002 andU.S. Ser. No. 10/700,108, entitled Apparatus for Controlling theEnvironment of a Parked Vehicle, filed Nov. 3, 2003.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/838,393now U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,080, filed Apr. 19, 2001, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/496,910, filed Feb. 2, 2000,now abandoned, each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for providing convenienceservices to a stationary vehicle allowing the vehicle to conserve fueland reduce noise and particulate matter emissions by shutting off theengine. Specifically, the invention relates to a system which providesservices such as heating, cooling, electrical, telephone, television,and Internet to a stationary vehicle independent of the vehicle'selectrical system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Over-the-road (OTR) drivers spend many hours on the road. The cab of thetractor-trailer often serves as home for days at a time. Accordingly,modern tractor-trailer cabs are well equipped with amenities to maketime on the road more enjoyable. The amenities are especially importantwhen considering the regulations imposed upon OTR drivers with regard tothe number of hours which may be legally driven between periods of rest.Full sleeper cabs allow the driver to stop and rest without having toleave the tractor-trailer. Often these cabs include televisions andother amenities to make the driver more comfortable. However, theseamenities require a power source and, typically, that power source isthe electrical system of the tractor-tractor. Accordingly, the enginemust be left running during these times. This period of low-idleoperation when the tractor-trailer engine runs only to provide power tothe amenities, such as basic heating and cooling during sleep periods,has been shown to increase the wear on the engine and result inapproximately 60% of all required engine maintenance. By providing theseservices externally to the tractor-trailer, thereby allowing the engineto be shut off during rest periods, the life of the engine can beimproved and fuel consumption reduced. Additionally, by shutting off theengine, the particulate matter (PM-10) emissions and other gaseouspollutants are eliminated which benefits the environment.

Other systems have been developed to provide convenience services to astationary vehicle. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed inthe following U.S. Patents:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date 2,612,830 Kendrick, J. R. Oct. 7, 19522,646,496 Takach, S. Jul. 21, 1953 2,962,951 Holmes, R. Dec. 6, 19603,211,076 Chancellor, B. A., et al. Oct. 12, 1965 3,360,954 Snider, A.R., et al. Jan. 2, 1968 3,777,506 Hergatt, Robert N., et al. Dec. 12,1973 5,661,984 Durrell, Mark, et al. Sep. 9, 1997 5,687,573 Shih,Ping-Ho Nov. 11, 1997 4,632,019 Whiteman, Gary D. Dec. 30, 1986

U.S. Pat. No. 2,612,830, issued to Kendrick, discloses an airconditioning and speaker unit that is attached to a vehicle window foruse in open air theaters. The unit rests on the partially closed windowand contains a heating element with a blower for heating the vehicleinterior.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,646,496, issued to Takach, discloses a combinationspeaker and heater for drive-in theaters. A blower unit with a heater ismounted on the speaker post. A flexible duct connects the blower unit tothe speaker unit, which is attached to a window of the automobile. Thespeaker unit has a port through which the heated air enters theautomobile.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,962,951, issued to Holmes, discloses an automobile airconditioning system for drive-in theaters. A central air conditioningunit supplies either heated or cooled air to a plurality of automobiles.Air from the central unit is ducted to hollow posts adjacent to theautomobiles. The hollow post has flexible hose connected to it. Theopposite end of the flexible hose is adapted to fit between the top ofan automobile window and the window frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,076, issued to Chancellor, et al., discloses an aircooling unit for truck tractors, in which the existing cooling unit forthe trailer is ducted to the tractor cab. An electric fan is used topush the cool air into the tractor cab. The duct between the trailer andthe tractor is easily removable.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,954, issued to Snider, et al., discloses adetachable air conditioner for a parked automobile at a drive-intheater. The air conditioner is mounted on an embedded speaker pole anddistributes cooled air through a hose with a terminal end that is solelysupported and secured between the window and the window frame of thevehicle. The terminal end includes sliding panels that can be adjustedto the size of the window opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,506, issued to Hergatt, et al., discloses a portableair conditioner apparatus. Hergatt, et al., teach an air conditionerunit having a head adaptor mounted on vertically adjustable supportsthat is designed for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) having asubstantially vertical and flat surface in which a window is disposed.The head adaptor is placed over an open window of the vehicle andincludes a front gasket for creating a seal when pressed against thevertical, flat side of the RV. The head adaptor is held in positionagainst the RV by the weight of the air conditioner unit which must beplaced in close proximity to the RV so as to bring the head adaptor unitinto contact with the RV.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,984, issued to Durrell, et al., discloses anautomotive air conditioner. The automotive air conditioner is aportable, self contained evaporative cooling unit which attaches to awindow and rests against the door of a vehicle. The non-powered designis suited for use in warm and dry climates. The optional fan forimproving air flow is powered by the electrical system of the vehicle orby a solar cell.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,573, issued to Shih, discloses a thermal controldevice for cooling or heating parked vehicles. Shih teaches a portableHVAC unit which is disposed within the vehicle to heat or cool theinternal air of the vehicle and exhaust air through a vent passingthrough the window opening. The unit is powered by the electrical systemof the vehicle and includes a timer for scheduling operation to adjustthe internal temperature of the vehicle prior to use.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that can supplyconvenience services to a stationary vehicle, independent of thevehicle's electrical system. The apparatus should provide a variety ofconvenience services to make the vehicle hospitable for an extendedstop, such as an overnight rest stop, and include basic amenities, suchas heating and cooling, telephone services, Internet services,electrical power, and radio/television signals. The apparatus should beusable with a vehicle without the need for extensive retrofit and shouldprovide the substantially airtight seal necessary for climate control.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for providing convenience services to a stationary vehicleindependent of the vehicle electrical system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor providing convenience services to a stationary vehicle whichinterfaces with a vehicle to provide a substantially airtight fit toallow a climate controlled environment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor providing convenience services to a stationary vehicle whichuniversally fits various vehicle configurations without the need forexpensive retrofit interfaces.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for providing convenience services to a stationary vehiclewhich is designed to connect to the vehicle through a standardinterface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for providing convenience services to stationary vehiclesindependent of the vehicle electrical system is provided allowing theengine of the stationary vehicle to be stopped, thereby reducing theamount of low-idle operation. The apparatus (services module) includes astationary housing which provides a connection point for the variousservices to be provided. At least one positionable conduit is attachedto the stationary housing for transferring the services to a supplypanel, which is releasably attached to the stationary vehicle.

The stationary housing contains the air conditioning equipment and actsas a through-point for the other services. The electrical power,telephone, network, and television wiring, which pass through thehousing into the conduit arm, are brought into the stationary housingfrom an outside source. The outside source may be a central panel whichswitches and distributes the services between and among severalstationary housings.

The conduit includes an outside hose, an inside hose, and cables runeither through the inside hose or between the inside and outside hose.Supply air traverses one hose and return air the other. The cablesinclude the electrical cables for providing services to the supplypanel.

The supply panel provides an interface for the convenience services,including the air supply, electrical power receptacles, telephonereceptacles, computer network receptacle, television signal connector,and card reader. In addition to the card reader, the supply panel has akeyboard and display interface. The supply panel also has means forsealing the panel to the vehicle. One embodiment uses an inflatablebladder surrounding the periphery of the panel, the bladder expands toseal the supply panel in an opening in the vehicle. Another embodimenthas the panel fitted with a template, which is sized to fit into anopening in the vehicle, typically an open window. Another embodiment hasthe panel mounted to an adapter, which fits into a receptacle in thevehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description of the invention readtogether with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck parking lot with an overheadgantry, to which the stationary housing is fixed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supply panel;

FIG. 3 is section view of the stationary housing; and

FIG. 4 is a front view of a vehicle and a service module, with thesupply panel attached to the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for providing convenience services to stationary vehiclesindependent of the vehicle electrical system is disclosed. Theillustrated embodiment shows the apparatus, or services module,providing services to over-the-road trucks. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that vehicles other than trucks may utilize the servicesmodule without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 shows two trucks parked under an overhead gantry 102. Multiplestationary housings 104 are attached to the gantry 102. Descending fromeach stationary housing 104 is a strain relief 136 and a conduit 106attached to a supply panel 108, which is positioned in a window of astationary vehicle 120 and provides a substantially airtight seal forclimate control. The conduit 106 is bendable to a selected elevation andorientation so as to accommodate vehicles 120 of various sizes. Alsodescending from the stationary housing 104 is a support cable 138, whichis attached to the supply panel 108.

FIG. 1 shows the gantry 102 supported on one end by post 130. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the overhead means for supportingthe stationary housing 104 can vary without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. For example, the horizontal gantry102 could be a roof or roof truss, and the post 130 could be replaced bya building, wall, or other structure capable of supporting the gantry102.

FIG. 2 shows the various services available from the portion of thesupply panel 108 that extends into the vehicle 120. The illustratedembodiment shows a conditioned air discharge vent 212, a communicationsservices sub-panel 214, an electrical outlet sub-panel 216, a cardreader 218, and a keypad 224 and display 222 forming an operatorinterface sub-panel 220. The keypad 224 is an array of switches, whichcan be actuated to produce a desired result. The conditioned airdischarge vent 212 has louvers 242 that can be rotated to direct the airflow in various directions as it enters the vehicle 120. The return airvent (not seen in FIG. 2) is located on the bottom of the supply panel108, adjacent to the template 202. The communications services sub-panel214 has a telephone jack receptacle 236, a network jack receptacle 232,and a connector 234 for television, video, and radio signals. Theelectrical outlet sub-panel 216 has a pair of conventional, nominal 120VAC power receptacles. The card reader 218 is a conventional card readerthat the vehicle operator can use to pay for the services provided bythe supply panel 108. The output/indicator sub-panel 222 permits thevehicle operator to interact with the system controlling the supplypanel 108 and controlling the convenience services provided to thesupply panel 108. The display 222 provides information to the vehicleoperator. This information can be in the form of indicating lights, analphanumeric display, and/or a printer. The information provided caninclude supply panel status and condition, environmental conditions inthe vehicle interior and/or exterior, and a printed receipt. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that any combination of the aboveservices, along with other services not mentioned, could be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the supply panel 108 could include multiple telephone jackreceptacles 236 to allow simultaneous voice and data communications anda 220 volt electrical outlet, in addition to the services describedabove.

FIG. 2 shows a support cable 138, which permits the weight of the supplypanel 108 to be carried by the stationary housing 104. Also shown inFIG. 2 is the supply panel 108 attached to a template 202, which issized to fit into a window opening of vehicle 120 and provides asubstantially airtight seal for climate control. Alternatively, thetemplate 202 can be sized and configured for installation through aservice door 122 in the body of the sleeper portion of the vehicle 120.To effectuate a substantially airtight seal, a gasket, typically made ofrubber, is attached to the face of the template 202. Once inserted intothe service door opening 122, a locking mechanism is engaged to securethe supply panel 108. The locking mechanism is a plurality of lockingclips which are extended from the supply panel 108 to engage the innersurface of the vehicle 120. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatvarious methods for securing the supply panel 108 within the servicedoor opening 122 can be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

One embodiment for ensuring a substantially airtight seal for climatecontrol uses an inflatable bladder surrounding the supply panel 108.With the bladder deflated, the supply panel 108 is positioned in thevehicle's window opening. The bladder is then inflated, which securesand seals the supply panel 108 in the window opening. The supply panel108 is generally dimensioned to approximate the dimensions of a windowof a stationary vehicle 120. The supply panel 108 is dimensioned for usewith a tractor trailer cab 120 and is approximately 15 inches high, 16inches wide, and 4 inches deep. A radially expanding pneumatic seal orbladder, such as the PNEUMA-SEAL from Presray Corporation of Pawling,N.Y. , is disposed around the perimeter of the supply panel 108. Thepneumatic seal is inflated using compressed air from a compressor or acentral air line, which is routed through the conduit 106. Wheninflated, the pneumatic seal expands radially and fills the gap betweenthe outside perimeter of the supply panel 108 and the inside perimeterof the window opening providing a substantially airtight seal. Thepneumatic seal conforms generally to the shape of the window; however,in order to fit right angle corners, it is necessary to add at least oneintermediate sealing pad. The intermediate sealing pads are bonded tothe pneumatic seal at each corner of the supply panel 108 such that eachsealing pad mates with a corner of the window to form a substantiallyairtight seal when the pneumatic seal is inflated. Those skilled in theart will recognize that dimensions of the supply panel will varydepending upon the class of vehicle for which the use is designed.Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that there areunusually shaped and or dimensioned windows which a supply paneldimensioned to fit a standard sized window can not seal. Additionalsealing pads are used, as necessary, to fill gaps between the pneumaticseal and the periphery of unusually shaped and or dimensioned windows.

Another embodiment has the supply panel 108 fitted with an adapter thatis inserted in a receptacle that is permanently attached to the vehicle120. The receptacle has a door, which can be closed when the supplypanel 108 is not attached to the vehicle 120. The adapter mates with thereceptacle and provides an environmental seal and access to the supplypanel 108 from the inside of the vehicle 120.

FIG. 3 shows a section view of the stationary housing 104. The conduit106 is attached to the stationary housing 104 with a strain relief 136.The conduit 106 may include rigid members (not shown) connected to eachother and connected to flexible members. The use of rigid members incombination with shorter flexible members serves to reduce the mount ofsag exhibited by the conduit 106. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that a variety of conduit configurations could be used toachieve proper positioning of the supply panel without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. The conduit 106 containselectrical cables 302 a, 302 b and an air duct 310. The electricalcables 302 originate from an electrical box 304 and extend through theconduit 106 to the supply panel 108. The cables 302 carry the electricalpower, telephone, network, and television and radio signals. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the number of electrical cablescan vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. The electrical box 304 provides a convenient means forinterfacing the electrical cables 302 with the services provided fromexternal sources. The cables 302 and air duct 310 are plenum-rated andsuitable for use in air ducts.

The air duct 310 is connected to a supply air plenum 306, and the duct310 carries either heated or cooled air and delivers it to the supplypanel 108. The supply air plenum 306 is supplied conditioned air byeither a conventional air conditioning unit (not illustrated) containedin the stationary housing 104 or from a central air conditioning unit(not illustrated) that supplies multiple stationary housings 104. Theair conditioning unit supplies heated and/or cooled air. The return airfrom the supply panel 108 passes though the conduit 106 between theinside surface of the conduit 106 and the duct 310. The return airenters a return air plenum 308, and the return air can either beexhausted to the outside atmosphere or it can be recirculated by the airconditioner unit, whether internal to the stationary housing 104 or acentral unit.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a vehicle 120 with a supply panel 108attached. The stationary housing 104 is suspended from the overheadgantry 102 with the conduit 106 descending to the supply panel 108.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the weight of supply panel108 produces some stress on the conduit 106 and its connection to thestationary housing 104 if left hanging freely. One method to reduce thisstress is to include a tether or support cable 138 that supports theweight of the supply panel 108. A take-up reel 338 is attached to thestationary housing 104. Descending from the take-up reel 338 is thetether 138 that is attached to and supports the supply panel 108 whileit is not being used. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether 138 isshown separate from and external to the conduit 106. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the tether 138 can be included within theconduit 106 itself without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Alternatively, the tether 138 can be a fixed lengthand support the supply panel 108 at a specified height without thetake-up reel 338. Another option is to provide a cradle for receivingthe supply panel 108 when not in use. The cradle could be connected tothe housing 104 or to the ground. Finally, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other methods for eliminating stress on the conduit 106due to the weight of the supply panel 108 can be used without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One embodiment of the invention mounts the stationary housing 104 on theground, either directly or on a pedestal, with the conduit 106 extendingfrom the stationary housing 104. With this configuration, the vehicle120 can park beside the stationary housing 120 and the supply panel 108can be attached to the vehicle 120. This configuration has the advantageof permitting two conduits 108, connected to two supply panels 108, toextend from a single stationary housing 104 and service two vehicles120. A tether or support cable 138 is unnecessary with this embodiment.

Another embodiment mounts the stationary housing 104 on a support at aheight that is typically greater than the height of a conventionaltractor-trailer 120. By elevating the housing 104, three valuablebenefits are achieved. First, there is a substantial savings in realestate as the spacing between parking spaces must only accommodateenough space for the support and not the dimensions of the housing 104.Second by moving the housing 104 above the area occupied by atractor-trailer 120, the likelihood of incidental damage to the servicesmodule 108 is minimized. Finally, aerial mounting of the housing 104simplifies the construction of the conduit 106 by eliminating the needfor structural support and folding joints. This configuration wouldrequire the use of a tether or support cable 138. Alternatively, acradle can receive the supply panel 108 when not in use. Those skilledin the art will recognize that other methods for eliminating stress onthe conduit 106 due to the weight of the supply panel 108 can be usedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of supply panels108, each connected to a stationary housing 104 by way of a conduit 106,services a plurality of stationary vehicles 120. Each supply panel 108communicates with a control system (not shown). The control systemincludes a local server, which communicates with a plurality of supplypanels 106 at a single location, and a central server, whichcommunicates with the local server. The central server maintains adatabase of information related to the use of each supply panel 106. Thedatabase is maintained in real-time and is used to compile billinginformation. The users of the supply panels 106 (customers) can bebilled either immediately after their use is stopped or on a periodicbasis, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or some other period. Both thelocal and central server can monitor usage of the supply panels 106 inorder to schedule maintenance, either periodic, preventative, orcorrective.

In operation, a stationary vehicle 120 is positioned such that thesupply panel 108 can be attached to the stationary vehicle 120. Once thesupply panel 108 is attached to the vehicle 120, the vehicle operatoruses either the card reader 218 or the operator interface sub-panel 220to identify either the vehicle operator or the billing entity and tospecify the services desired. If the card reader 218 is used, theoperator inserts an identifying card into the reader 218, which in turncommunicates with the control system. If the operator interfacesub-panel 220 is used, the operator enters codes and/or otheridentifying information with the keypad 224. The operator interfacesub-panel 220 communicates with the control system. After the operatoris identified by the control system, the operator either has access to apre-determined assortment of convenience services or the operator canselect the convenience services desired to be used. Selection of desiredconvenience services is by way of the operator interface sub-panel 220.The control system enables the desired convenience services, controlsthe convenience services that require control, tracks the use ofconvenience services provided, and compiles billing information.

When the operator wishes to discontinue use of the convenience services,the operator establishes communications with the control system, eitherthrough the card reader 218 or the operator interface sub-panel 220. Thevehicle operator then disengages the supply panel 108 from thestationary vehicle 120. The vehicle 120 can then leave the area of thesupply panel 108, permitting another vehicle to position itself so thatthe new vehicle can access the supply panel 108.

From the forgoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled inthe art that an apparatus for providing convenience services to astationary vehicle independent of the vehicle electrical system has beenprovided. The services module includes a positionable conduit to allow asupply panel to be positioned so as to be used by a stationary vehicle.The supply panel is configured to fit within the window or other openingof the stationary vehicle, and forms a substantially airtight sealnecessary for climate control. Disposed upon the surface of the supplypanel are the connectors, controls, and vents for the services.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been describedand while some embodiments have been described in considerable detail,it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limitthe scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantagesand modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Theinvention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to thespecific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrativeexample shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made fromsuch details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant'sgeneral inventive concept.

1. A method of activating a service apparatus which provides at leastone of HVAC and electrical power to a truck parked at a parking site,said method comprising: providing a supply panel adapted to be attachedto the truck, said supply panel providing the at least one of HVAC andelectrical power to the truck; displaying information on a display to auser of said service apparatus; communicating the identification of theuser to a control system; said control system recording theidentification of the user, activating said service apparatus andrecording usage of said service apparatus; generating a signal,initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said service apparatus; andproviding for electronic payment for prior use of said service apparatusbased on time of usage of said service apparatus.
 2. The method claimedin claim 1 wherein a plurality of service apparatuses are controlled bya single control system.
 3. The method claimed in claim 2 wherein saidservice apparatus communicates through a local server which in turncommunicates with a central control system.
 4. The method claimed inclaim 3 wherein said service apparatus communicates with said controlsystem by a keypad connected to said local server.
 5. The method claimedin claim 3 wherein said service apparatus communicates with said controlsystem by a magnetic card reader connected to said local server.
 6. Themethod claimed in claim 1 wherein said service apparatus provides 120volts and 220 volts electrical power.
 7. The method claimed in claim 1wherein said control system bills for said used service apparatus. 8.The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said service apparatus provides atleast one of the following additional services: telephone connection,Internet connection, radio connection, and television connection, andwherein said control system activates at least one of said additionalservices.
 9. The method claimed in claim 1 further comprising monitoringthe operation of said the service apparatus by said control system. 10.The method claimed in claim 9 wherein said control system detects whencorrective maintenance is necessary.
 11. The method claimed in claim 10wherein said control system maintains a database of information of theuse of each service apparatus.
 12. The method claimed in claim 1 whereina credit card provides the identification of user to said controlsystem.
 13. The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said service apparatuscommunicates with said control system using a keypad on a supply panelwherein said supply panel provides said HVAC to said truck.
 14. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said display is supported on said supplypanel.
 15. A method of providing conditioned air to a cab of a truckparked at a parking site, said method comprising: providing a supplypanel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providingconditioned air to the cab of the truck; displaying information on adisplay to a user of said conditioned air; communicating theidentification of the user to a control system; said control systemrecording the identification of the user, activating said conditionedair and recording usage of said conditioned air; directing saidconditioned air to said cab; generating a signal, initiated by the user,to terminate usage of said conditioned air; and providing for electronicpayment for prior use of said conditioned air based on time of usage ofsaid conditioned air.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein saidconditioned air is heated air.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein saidconditioned air is cooled air.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein saiddisplay is supported on said supply panel.
 19. A method of activating aservice apparatus which provides at least one of HVAC and electricalpower to a cab of a truck parked at a parking site, said methodcomprising: providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to thetruck, said supply panel providing the at least one of HVAC andelectrical power to the cab of the truck; displaying information on adisplay to a user of said service apparatus; communicating from withinthe cab the identification of the user to a control system; said controlsystem recording the identification of the user, activating said serviceapparatus and recording usage of said service apparatus; generating asignal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said serviceapparatus; and providing for electronic payment for prior use of saidservice apparatus based on time of usage of said service apparatus. 20.The method of claim 19 wherein said display is supported on said supplypanel.
 21. A method of providing conditioned air to a cab of a truckparked at a parking site, said method comprising: providing a supplypanel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providingconditioned air to the cab of the truck; displaying information on adisplay to a user of said conditioned air; communicating theidentification of the user to a control system; said control systemrecording the identification of the user, activating said conditionedair and recording usage of said conditioned air; directing saidconditioned air to said cab; generating a signal, initiated by the user,to terminate usage of said conditioned air; and providing for electronicpayment for prior use of said conditioned air from within the cab basedon time of usage of said conditioned air.
 22. The method of claim 21wherein said conditioned air is heated air.
 23. The method of claim 21wherein said conditioned air is cooled air.
 24. The method of claim 21wherein said display is supported on said supply panel.